‘The labor movement has lost a legend’: union boss Richard Trumka dies at 72

Trumka, a relentless champion of workers' rights', had led the 12.5 million-member labor federation since 2009

Richard Trumka, the powerful president of the AFL-CIO who rose from the coalmines of Pennsylvania to preside over one of the largest labor organizations in the world, died Thursday. He was 72.

The federation confirmed Trumkas death in a statement. He had been AFL-CIO president since 2009, after serving as the organization's secretary-treasurer for 14 years. From his perch, he oversaw a federation with more than 12.5 million members and ushered in a more aggressive style of leadership.